Earring clutch-finding and methods of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

An earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, including a body portion formed from a deformable material is provided. An axial bore extends into the deformable material forming an insertion hole closed at the end distal to the earring. A method of manufacturing the clutch-finding is further provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/702,400, filed Jul. 26, 2005, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF USE

The present invention relates to an earring clutch-finding made from a deformable material, having an insertion hole closed at an end distal to an earring and having a planar surface at an end proximal to the earring for long time comfort and wear.

BACKGROUND

Earrings are a popular jewelry item, and have been worn by members of various civilizations including ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Ostrogoths. In general, earrings either have a post or a loop that supports the decorative element, which fits against an outer surface of the ear lobe or is a pendant below the ear, respectively. The post of an earring is generally a small cylindrical projection which is attached to the body of the earring and extends through a piercing in a human ear or other body part. When worn, the post is heeled in place by an earring clutch which has an axial bore that extends diametrically through the clutch.

While satisfactorily retaining the post of the earring in the piercing, a disadvantage of the various types of clutches in general use arises from a distal end of the post that contacts the wearer's neck. Continual contact by an exposed portion of the post with the neck can cause irritation and abrasion. Furthermore, certain routine activities apply pressure to the ear and the post, such as bringing a telephone receiver to the ear, or placing a head on a pillow when sleeping. When pressure is applied to the ear while the earring is affixed, the exposed portion of the post may puncture the soft tissue of the neck or otherwise irritate the wearer.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention herein provides an earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture. The clutch-finding has a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, made from a deformable material, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring. In certain embodiments of the invention, the distal end of the clutch-finding is ball-shaped. In other embodiments, the body portion further has a planar surface at an end proximal to the earring. In still another embodiment, the deformable material contains a pigment having a color in the visible color spectrum.

In related embodiments, the deformable material is selected from the group of rubber and plastic. For example, the rubber can be natural or synthetic. In a related embodiment, the rubber includes latex or silicone. In an alternative embodiment, the clutch-finding is a plastic polymer and can be made from, for example, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, or polymethylpentene. In still another embodiment, when the clutch-finding is made from a plastic polymer, the polymer can include, for example, one or more atoms of any of elements such as oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, or sulfur.

Another embodiment provides an earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, in which the clutch-finding has a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, the clutch-finding being made out of latex, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring. An alternative embodiment provides an earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, in which the clutch-finding has a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, the clutch-finding being made out of silicone, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring.

In related embodiments, the deformable material contains an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial agent can be, for example, Triclosan, Bacitracin, Neomycin, or Polymyxin. Alternatively, the deformable material further contains Aloe vera. In yet another embodiment, the deformable material is non-toxic.

In certain embodiments, the deformable material is compatible with an antibacterial solvent or a solution of an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial solvent can be an organic alcohol, for example, alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or n-propyl alcohol. Alternatively, the antibacterial agent can be, for example, a detergent, hydrogen peroxide, or an antibiotic. In yet another embodiment, the deformable material is compatible with sonication.

In a related embodiment, the invention provides a method for manufacturing an earring clutch-finding from a deformable material, the clutch-finding having an insertion hole closed at an end distal to an earring. In general, the method includes preparing a computer program having dimensional specifications for a template of the clutch-finding, to input into a computer directed milling machine, for computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of a die mold having the template for casting the deformable material; milling the die mold according to the CAD/CAM to produce the template; and contacting by injection molding an interior surface of the template with the deformable material in liquid phase, wherein solidifying the material within the die mold manufactures the clutch-finding.

In a related embodiment, the method further provides, after solidifying, boring the insertion hole into the deformable material, and boring the hole does not extend through the distal end of the material.

In another embodiment, the method further provides, prior to solidifying, inserting into a portion of the die mold template, a form in the shape of a post, extending partially the liquid phase material, such that upon removal of the post the insertion hole closed at the distal end is formed.

In yet another embodiment, the method further provides, prior to solidifying, adding a pigment having a color in the visible color spectrum to the liquid phase deformable material. In still another embodiment, the method further provides, after solidifying, removing the clutch-finding from the die mold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional proximal end view drawing of an enlarged anterior perspective view showing a clutch-finding for a decorative portion post of the earring to be inserted, such that the decorative portion of the earring is distal from the clutch-finding and is a length of a longitudinal aperture for placement of a post of an earring 1. The dotted lines in the drawing show placement of the longitudinal aperture for placement of a post of an earring, but are not visible from the proximal end view. Number 2 depicts the insertion hole 2, planar surface 3 and a closed distal end that in certain embodiments of the clutch-finding is spherical 4, and a proximal end 5.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional distal end view drawing of a clutch-finding showing the insertion hole 2, the longitudinal length of the hole, a closed distal end that in certain embodiments is spherical 4, and proximal end 5.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a transverse view of the proximal end 5 of the clutch-finding along with planar surface 3 and insertion hole 2.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a transverse view of the closed distal end 4 of the clutch-finding along with a piece 8, that in certain embodiments is decorative and planar surface 3. The decorative element can extend. The relative diameters of piece 8 and the planar surface 3 are not shown to scale, and the invention herein is not limited to the embodiment illustrated.

FIG. 5 depicts a drawing of a cross-section of an embodiment of the clutch-finding with a proximal end 5 showing a cross-section of planar surface 3 with insertion hole 2, and a closed distal end that in certain embodiments is spherical 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an earring clutch-finding which is composed of a deformable material and an insertion hole closed at an end distal to an earring for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the number 1 denotes an earring post 1. FIG. 1 denotes the earring clutch-finding of this invention with insertion hole 2 and planar surface 3. In general, earring posts are non-flexible and extend through a hole pierced in a body part, generally an ear lobe, and into an earring clutch. Contact to a wearer's neck from the exposed portion of the post causes discomfort, irritation, and puncture. The present invention alleviates this problem, as the clutch-finding is formed from a deformable material with an insertion hole closed at an end distal to the ear, providing a shield to the wearer's neck from the post.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, this is a cross-sectional view of the clutch-finding. Number 2 denotes the insertion hole that extends into the deformable material for receiving the post portion of the earring. Number 3 depicts a cross section of the planar surface, which is a surface of the earring clutch-finding that lies adjacent to and in contact with the inner surface of an ear lobe that defines a plane. In this embodiment, the surface lies substantially on one plane. Number 4 denotes the closed end distal to the earring of the clutch-finding while number 5 denotes the end proximal to the earring of the clutch-finding.

Another problem to be solved by the current clutch-finding herein is support of the ear lobe when an earring of greater size or weight is affixed. The present invention addresses this problem by shifting the weight applied to the ear lobe by the earring to the planar surface of the clutch-finding. The planar surface then disperses the weight over an enlarged surface, removing the pressure from the immediate area of the piercing of the ear lobe.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, number 2 denotes the insertion hole, number 3 denotes the planar surface, and number 5 denotes the proximal end. Many different decorative elements within the knowledge of the skilled jeweler are within the scope herein, not illustrated in this figure.

Referring FIG. 4 of the drawings, the number 4 denotes the closed end distal to the earring. Number 8 denotes a decorative piece along the axis of the clutch-finding which may be formed in various shapes or sizes. The clutch-finding is closed at an end distal to the earring to protect the wearer's neck from contact with the earring post. The closed end prevents the wearer from experiencing discomfort, abrasion, and puncture to the neck in the region behind the ear. Furthermore, various portions of the clutch-finding that in alternative embodiments are visible behind or in front of the earlobe can be shaped and molded into decorative pieces to improve its esthetic value.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the number 2 denotes the insertion hole, number 3 denotes the planar surface, and number 5 denotes the proximal end. In certain embodiments a decorative piece along the axis of the clutch-finding may be formed in various shapes or sizes 8. Many different decorative elements within the knowledge of the skilled jeweler are within the scope herein, not illustrated in the figures.

In various embodiments the planar surface is contoured. The contoured areas can be smooth or angular. The planar surface in various embodiments is formed into esthetically pleasing shapes and designs while still retaining the functional ability to shift the weight from the ear lobe to the planar surface.

While the invention has been described with detailed reference to the drawings, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many modifications and changes can be made within the scope and sphere of the invention as defined.

The clutch-finding of the present invention protects the wearer against discomfort, abrasion, and puncture from an earring post, a problem not addressed previously. U.S. Pat. No. D431,010 by Guthier, and U.S. Pat. No. D383,706 by Archambault describe designs of shapes of earring clutches. U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,367 by Seidman shows an earring clutch formed from a hollow metallic shell. U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,699 by Seidman shows a method of making an earring clutch that requires submerging the hollow metallic shell in liquid elastomer, applying a vacuum to the elastomer to evacuate gas from the shell, allowing the elastomer to harden, and drilling a hole into the elastomer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,540 by Cuvar, et al. shows an earring post and a clutch that is open at both ends. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,021 by Hinton describes a disposable earring retainer which is pierced through by an earring post. None of the earring clutches in these references have the combination of a deformable material and a closed end, to protect the wearer against discomfort, abrasion, and puncture.

DEFINITIONS

As used in the specification and in the claims herein, the following words and phrases have the meaning below.

The phrase “earring clutch-finding” means an item of jewelry, having a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring and that in certain embodiments has a spherical shape distal end. In general the earring clutch-finding conforms to the shape and dimensions of the post portion of the earring, and is in mutual contact with the post, thereby keeping the post in position during wear. The earring clutch-finding has a length ranging from, for example about 0.19 to about 0.51 inches (about 4.8 to about 12.9 mm), about 0.19 to about 0.41 inches (about 4.8 to about 10.4 mm), about 0.19 to about 0.33 inches (about 4.8 to about 8.3 mm), about 0.19 to about 0.54 inches (about 4.8 to about 13.7 mm), about 0.21 to about 0.47 inches (about 5.3 to about 11.9 mm), about 0.21 to about 0.54 inches (about 5.3 to about 13.7 mm), or about 0.33 to about 0.54 inches (about 8.48 to about 13.7 mm). The earring clutch-finding that is present in some embodiments, has a width or diameter ranging from about 0.039 to about 0.20 inches (about 1.0 to about 5.0 mm).

The phrase “spherical portion” means the curved surface of the distal end of the earring clutch-finding that is present in some embodiments, lies adjacent to a user's neck. The spherical portion allows the post portion of an earring to be held in place by the earring clutch-finding, and prevents discomfort to a user caused by a less curved distal end surface when the clutch-finding rests against the neck soft tissue of a user, thus providing sustained comfort. The spherical portion has a length ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.0 mm (about 0.039 inches to about 0.12 inches).

The phrase “neck soft tissue” means epithelium covering the anatomical area commonly referred to as the posterior triangle of a neck. The posterior triangle includes the area from base of a skull adjacent to an ear to the collarbone (clavicle), and the skin that covers this area. The posterior triangle further includes muscles of the neck which connect the base of the skull with the clavicle and adjacent area of the neck.

The phrase “post portion” means a cylindrical extension of a posterior portion of an earring having an end distal to the anterior portion of the earring. The distal end of the post is shaped, for example, straight across, pointed, globular, or conical. Certain of these ends are extremely irritating upon contact with skin. In general, the post is attached perpendicularly to the plane of an earring proximal to the ear lobe (“interior” plane of the earring with respect to decorative element). Anatomical aspects of an ear and its proximity to the neck generally limit the minimal and maximal lengths of a post. Ease of use and comfort limit the diameter of the post.

The phrase “insertion hole” means an axial bore that extends into the deformable material of the clutch-finding as described herein, for receiving the post portion of the earring. The insertion hole has an appropriate length and diameter to releasably accommodate the post portion of the earring. The length of the insertion hole is less than the length of the clutch-finding, and generally greater than an exposed length of an earring post remaining after it has been inserted through, for example, an ear lobe. As the earring clutch-finding is made of a deformable material, the bore has a diameter such that insertion of a post requires a component of resistance and forcible insertion to maintain the earring in place and accommodate a range of post diameters.

The phrase “planar surface” means a surface of the earring clutch-finding that lies adjacent to and juxtaposed upon the inner, or interior, surface of an ear lobe that defines a plane, i.e., that portion of the ear lobe closest to the neck. In alternative embodiments the entire surface of the clutch-finding lies on one plane; or, the plane has limited areas of contour which can be smooth or angular. The edges of the planar surface may be cut or molded so as to form esthetically pleasing artistic shapes, for example a star, a heart, a diamond, a sun, or may have an abstract shape such as an irregular polygon, or may have a wavy outline suggesting outer edges of petals of a flower. The clutch-finding is worn so that the planar surface of the clutch-finding is oriented parallel to a plane of an ear lobe surface, e.g., the inner plane of the ear lobe, or the outer plane. The planar surface of the clutch-finding has sufficient dimensions to support the lobe when an earring of greater size or weight is affixed to the other side of the ear lobe. In general, the ratio of the diameter of the planar surface of the finding compared to the length of the post is at least or is greater than about 1.0, however smaller planar surfaces are within the scope of the embodiments herein. For example, the planar surface is at least about 0.01 to about 0.20 inch (about 0.25 to about 0.51 mm) in diameter, about 0.10 to about 0.30 inch (about 2.54 to about 7.62 mm), about 0.20 to about 0.40 inch (about 5.08 to about 10.16 mm), about 0.30 to about 0.50 inch (about 7.62 to about 12.70 mm), about 0.40 to about 0.60 inch (about 10.16 to about 15.24 mm), about 0.50 to about 0.70 inch (about 12.70 to about 17.78 mm), about 0.60 to about 0.80 inch (about 15.24 to about 20.32 mm), about 0.70 to about 0.90 inch (about 17.78 to about 22.86 mm) or about 0.80 to about 1.0 inch (about 20.32 to about 25.40 mm).

The phrase “non-toxic” refers to a product that is within an acceptable score by FDA standards for external application using well-known assay criteria, for example, a skin irritancy test. Exemplary toxicity tests use a section of an animal's epithelium, e.g., skin on the back, for example of a rabbit. The back of the rabbit is shaved and may be abraded, and the substance is applied to the skin and covered with gauze patches, usually for 4 hours. Extent of toxicity is analyzed by redness, inflammation, weeping or scabs, extent of each of which correlates with greater irritancy of the substance.

The phrase “Aloe vera” means healing Aloe vera gel, a thin, clear, jellylike substance that can be squeezed or scraped from the inner part of the fleshy leaf of the Aloe plant. The gel of the Aloe vera plant is used as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns and wounds. Aloe vera gel is also used to treat minor surface irritations and to reduce psoriasis symptoms.

The phrase “visible color spectrum” means the range of wavelength that can be seen by the human eye, ranging roughly from 700 nm (red end) to 400 nm (violet end). Deformable materials having a color are commercially available, for example, Dow Corning, 2200 W. Salzburg Rd. Midland, Mich. 48640-8531, allows a customer to order silicone rubber of any color requested.

The phrase “antibiotic” means a chemical substance produced by living organisms or synthesized in laboratories for the purpose of retarding the growth of or killing other organisms that cause disease.

Deformable Materials

Suitable examples of deformable materials for producing the clutch-finding are latex (natural rubber) or silicone (synthetic rubber).

Latex is the protective fluid contained in plant tissue beneath the bark of, for example, the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a cloudy white liquid collected by cutting a thin strip of bark from the tree and allowing the latex to exude into a collecting vessel over a period of hours. Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene units, e.g. a hydrocarbon diene monomer. The composition of latex generally is: about 30% to about 40% rubber particles (cis-1,4-polyisoprene), about 2% to about 3% protein, about 55% to about 65% water, about 0.1% to about 0.5% sterol glycosides, about 1.5% to about 3.5% resins, about 0.5% to about 1% ash, and about 1% to about 2% sugars. From this standard composition, many grades and types of latex rubber are available, produced by varying levels of various additives or other substances, collection methods, and processing techniques.

When latex is required for the earring clutch-finding herein, stabilizer is added, including for example but not limited to an oleate, a stearate, an alginate, a polyacrylate, xanthan gum, a caseinate or other nonionic and ionic surfactant. The latex is centrifuged to remove water, and thereby increase the rubber content. After centrifuging, the material is known as latex concentrate, and contains roughly 60 percent solid rubber. Suitable supplies of natural rubber latex are commercially available from: Astlett Rubber Inc., Suite 400, 277 Lakeshore Rd. E. Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 1H9; and, Vita Liquid Polymers Ltd., Harling Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 4SZ, United Kingdom.

Silicone rubber is a synthetic elastomer made from a cross-linked polymer of a silicone-based monomer, which is reinforced with silica. An exemplary silicone is formed from a monomer SiH₄ (silane) and the polymer structure is SiH₃(SiH₂)_(n)SiH₃. The resultant polymer structures are named based on the number of silicon atoms in the chain i.e. silane, disilane, trisilane, tetrasilane. Furthermore, substitutions can take place, e.g. CH₃ groups for SiH₃ groups, Cl for H, etc. For example, substituting chlorine will produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or substituting nitrogen will produce nylon. Silicone polymers substituted with oxygen produce a siloxane monomer, different from silane-based silicones in that they have a Si—O—Si backbone and a general formula SiH₃(OSiH₂)_(n)OSiH₃.

An exemplary class of silicone rubber is VMQ, silicone rubber having methyl and vinyl substitutions on the polymer chain. Silicone rubber is commercially available from: Dow Corning, 2200 W. Salzburg Rd. Midland, Mich. 48640-8531; Smooth-On, Inc. 2000 Saint John Street, Easton, Pa. 18042; and, Reynolds Advanced Materials, 2131 South Harwood St. Dallas, Tex. 75215.

Antibacterial Solvents

The human body is constantly shedding epithelial cells. Desquamated epithelial cells can collect within an insertion hole of an earring clutch. Additionally, moisture produced by the body can also collect within the insertion hole of the earring clutch. The combination of desquamated epithelial cells and moisture can cause bacteria to grow and can cause an irritation or an infection within a piercing of an ear or other body part. To prevent bacterial infections, a clutch-finding of the present invention in various embodiments is compatible with antibacterial solvents, so it can be sterilized between wearings or at other intervals.

A surface disinfectant possesses antibacterial activity and is relatively non-toxic to animals. (W R Moorer, Antiviral activity of alcohol for surface disinfection, International Journal of Dental Hygiene) Common antibacterial solvents include but are not limited to, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Most commercial alcoholic surface disinfectants contain a mixture of two or more of the above mentioned alcohols with total alcohol concentrations of 70% or higher to be effective. For example, cells of the bacterial genus Streptococcus are killed in 10 seconds by 60-90% ethanol; Pseudomonas by 30-100%; Salmonella and E. coli by 40-100%; Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes by 60-95%. Antibacterial solvents are commercially available. Other antibacterial solvents include detergents that disrupt bacterial membranes, and include common household detergents such as Joy detergent manufactured by Procter & Gamble.

Methods of Manufacture

A suitable example of a method of manufacturing the clutch-finding is by the process of injection molding. In injection molding, rubber is introduced into the machine through a hopper. Colorants are added to the machine directly by a port located after the hopper. The rubber enters the injection barrel by gravity through the feed throat. Upon entrance into a barrel, the rubber resin is heated to the appropriate melting temperature. The melted rubber is injected by a high speed ram or reciprocating screw that forces the unvulcanized rubber from a cylinder through a nozzle and into a closed heated mold, by a pressure independent of the pressure used to maintain the mold in a closed position. The two halves of the mold are attached to heated platens. The ram injects sufficient material to fill the mold, then retracts so that rubber for the next cycle can be loaded into the cylinder. The mold is then cooled to a temperature that allows the rubber to cool and solidify.

Advantages of this process include short molding cycles, little or no pre-form preparation, little or no flash to remove, and low scrap rate. For any given silicone rubber, the production factors are properly balanced for best results, through experience and experimentation. For most silicone rubber products the cylinder or the screw and the barrel is at room temperature. The molding time varies according to the type of rubber and size of the part. The injection pressure is from about 500 to 2000 psi (3.45 to 13.78 MPa), depending on the viscosity of the rubber, size of injection nozzle, mold design and desired injection time. Under most conditions, most rubbers inject satisfactorily at about 800 psi (5.51 MPa). The injection time depends on the mold cavity size, injection pressure, and viscosity of the rubber, and is within the experience of the skilled artisan. It is usually between 5 and 10 seconds, 7 seconds being the average for most conditions. A short injection time is desirable, to minimize scorch and total molding time. Since it is important to keep injection time as short as possible higher pressures should be used with high viscosity rubbers.

Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing is a two step process. Computer aided design (CAD) is used to draw the part and to define the tool path. Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) is used to convert the tool path into codes that the computer on a controller machine can understand. CAD/CAM programs are commercially available from: Advanced Engineering Solutions,146 Phelps Street, Marlborough, Mass. 01752; and, Delcam p1c, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ, UK.

The invention having been fully described, is further illustrated by the following claims, which are exemplary and are not to be construed as further limiting. The contents of all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 

1. An earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, comprising a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, wherein the body comprises a deformable material, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring.
 2. The clutch-finding according to claim 1 wherein the deformable material is selected from the group of rubber and plastic.
 3. The clutch-finding according to claim 2 wherein the rubber is natural or synthetic.
 4. The clutch-finding according to claim 2 wherein the rubber comprises latex.
 5. The clutch-finding according to claim 2 wherein the rubber comprises silicone.
 6. The clutch-finding according to claim 2 wherein the plastic is a polymer selected from the group of polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polystyrene, and polymethylpentene.
 7. The clutch-finding according to claim 6 wherein the plastic polymer comprises at least one atom selected from the group of oxygen, chlorine, fluorine, nitrogen, silicon, phosphorous, or sulfur.
 8. The clutch-finding according to claim 1 wherein the deformable material further comprises an antibacterial agent.
 9. The clutch-finding according to claim 8 wherein the antibacterial agent is selected from the group of Triclosan, Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin.
 10. The clutch-finding according to claim 1 wherein the deformable material further comprises Aloe vera.
 11. The clutch-finding according to claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises a planar surface at an end proximal to the earring.
 12. An earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, comprising a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, wherein the body comprises latex, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring.
 13. An earring clutch-finding for protecting neck soft tissue from abrasion and puncture, comprising a body portion with an insertion hole for receiving and releasably retaining a post portion of an earring, wherein the body comprises silicone, and the insertion hole is closed at an end distal to the earring.
 14. The clutch-finding according to any of claims 1-13 wherein the deformable material is non-toxic.
 15. The clutch-finding according to any of claims 1-14 wherein the deformable material further comprises a pigment having a color in the visual color spectrum.
 16. The clutch-finding according to any of claims 1-15 wherein the deformable material is compatible with an antibacterial solvent or solution of an antibacterial agent.
 17. The clutch-finding according to claim 16 wherein the antibacterial solvent is selected from the group of alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and n-propyl alcohol.
 18. The clutch-finding according to claim 16 wherein the antibacterial agent is selected from a detergent, hydrogen peroxide, and an antibiotic.
 19. The clutch-finding according to claims 1-18 wherein the deformable material is compatible with sonication.
 20. A method for manufacturing an earring clutch-finding of deformable material and having an insertion hole closed at an end distal to an earring, the method comprising: preparing a computer program having dimensional specifications for a template of the clutch-finding, to input into a computer directed milling machine, for computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of a die mold having the template for casting the deformable material; milling the die mold according to the CAD/CAM to produce the template; and contacting by injection molding an interior surface of the template with the deformable material in liquid phase, wherein solidifying the material within the die mold manufactures the clutch-finding.
 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising after solidifying, boring the insertion hole into the deformable material, wherein boring the hole does not extend through the distal end of the material.
 22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising prior to solidifying, inserting a portion of the die mold template in the shape of a post extending partially into the liquid phase material, wherein upon removal of the post the insertion hole closed at the distal end is formed.
 23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising prior to solidifying, adding a pigment having a color in the visual color spectrum to the liquid phase deformable material.
 24. The method according to any of claims 20-23, further comprising after solidifying, removing the clutch-finding from the die mold. 